Japanese grapes auction: Ruby Romans fetch record price

Raisin
Raisin

Source: BBC News

A bunch of grapes has sold for a record-breaking $11,000 (£8,500) in Japan, where fruit often commands high prices and social prestige.

A supermarket owner from western Japan walked away with 30 grapes, each worth about $360.

They were the first Ruby Romans – a super sweet grape variety grown in Ishikawa prefecture – of the season.

« We will display them at our store before giving our customers a sample taste, » Takamaru Konishi said.

The Japanese are often willing to pay top-dollar for premium samples of fruit, sometimes with the intention of giving them as gifts to people perceived to be of higher status – for example, their boss at work.

A single apple can cost up to $3. And melons are sometimes sold for the equivalent price of a vintage wine.

Last year a pair of melons sold under the hammer for more than $12,000.

« I am so happy and I am honoured, » Mr Konishi said.

« These are truly Ruby Roman gems. »

N.B. Image source from Wikipedia.